A grandad working to keep the streets of Reading clean is currently homeless despite working for the council.
Leroy Roach, aged 60, works as a street cleaner for Reading Borough Council, which involves litter picking and sweeping.
He is from Jamaica, has lived in England for more than 32 years, and achieved British citizenship in 1992.
But now he is forced to sleep in his car after being made homeless.
Speaking during a brief break while working in Broad Street, Mr Roach said: “I’ve been living in my car for the last 12 months, I’m planning to get a house from the council.
“I can’t believe it, I’m still homeless – I have to live in a car to save for a deposit.
“I have seen a house, but I’d need to pay the landlord £1,500 for a deposit and the first month of rent.
“I was living with my girlfriend, but we split up so I got kicked out.”
He then expressed frustration at being unable to find a place that is affordable either for private rent or through the council’s housing register.
Mr Roach said: “I make the town clean. I tried to get a deposit through a deposit scheme, but even for that I’d need £800.”
Although he has family links in Jamaica, he has been living in the UK since 1991.
Mr Roach explained: “I only go there on special occasions, my son and daughter live here, and I’ve got six grandkids in Reading.
“I’m entitled to everything. I don’t have any property back home.
“There was discussion about where my mum lived prior to her passing, but it’s gone to a different family now. I just wish I had somewhere to sleep.”
He is being supported by the St Mungos homelessness charity, and mentioned that a landlord had offered him a place for £680.
Mr Roach said: “I have a right to rent. I’m homeless, fighting for somewhere to live.”
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council stated that he was receiving monetary support for somewhere he lived but departed from there.
It will continue to work with him and St Mungos to address his housing need.
They said: “We are aware of Mr Roach’s circumstances and recognise that this is a difficult situation for him.
“Earlier this year, financial support was provided to help him secure private rented accommodation.
“Following his departure from that accommodation, support is currently available through St Mungo’s, who are working with him to identify suitable housing options and help him access accommodation.
“Mr Roach is welcome to approach the council for housing advice and assistance at any time.
“We would encourage Mr Roach to continue engaging with the support available through St Mungo’s and the council so that all appropriate housing options can be explored.
“Like many local authorities, Reading faces significant pressures on social housing, with more than 5,500 households on the Housing Register and around 450 properties becoming available each year.”
